But before we get into all of the jazz (and all of the other styles of music played at venues throughout the city during the festival) that’ll be starting up next Friday, let’s take a look at what’s here this week: one of the world’s best blues guitarists, a great Saskatchewan folk duo, and a really cool indie group from Toronto. Coming up next: jazz and concerts non-stop, so take a deep breath and enjoy this stuff for now.

Carvin Jones Band

When: Tuesday, June 18

Where: The Bassment

What: Normally this space is reserved for the best of the best of the local talent playing in Saskatoon, but when someone who is considered one of the greatest blues guitar players of all time comes to town, they’re worth more than a mention. The Carvin Jones Band — helmed, obviously, by Carvin Jones — is the pinnacle of bluesy rock. The instrumentals have that quintessential, gritty musical edge, and the vocals are outstanding. This is a guy you don’t want to miss, if only because this particular flavour of world-class talent doesn’t always make its way through the city.

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Kacy & Clayton

When: Saturday, June 15

Where: Black Cat Tavern

What: Kacy & Clayton — or Kacy Anderson and Clayton Linthicum — are a Saskatchewan folk duo with a sound immersed in the psychedelic tones and styles of the 1970s. Anderson’s vocals have an impressive range, and I’m not just referring to the range of notes she can sing. The pair does a great job of generating simple, emotive strains of music that fits with the old style of folk music that feels almost Simon & Garfunkel-esque, but still has some of the sound of new-age folk and folk rock. Kacy & Clayton are really a fascinating musical gem to come out of the province.

Fast Romantics

When: Saturday, June 15

Where: Capitol Music Club

What: If you’re looking for a high-powered indie rock group, look no further. The Fast Romantics hail from Toronto, and they’re a ton of fun. With a light sound infused with the pop/rock energy of the 21st century, these are the guys that you would expect to hear regularly on the radio — and they’ve experienced plenty of success already. A new album is set to release this year, and they’ve already put out a couple of singles from the upcoming recording. The layered vocals and rock beats give these guys a powerful tone that goes along with their lighter sound. The Fast Romantics are just plain cool and fun to hear.